Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a drugs test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
The British boxer together with the New Zealander participated in an intense contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, however put his shot at the title in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Along with Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives published an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently in progress about the situation.
